Dr Geoffrey Smith

In almost all cases you will be asleep (under General Anaesthesia or GA) for the operation. You may have clear drinks (water or black tea) up to 2 hours before the proposed surgery. Any non-clear fluids such as milk or tea/coffee with milk and fruit juice etc. count as food and should be avoided for at least 6 hours before surgery.

Certain medications are best omitted such as ACE inhibitors (eg: Ramipril, Lisinopril and Captopril). If in doubt please check with your anaesthetist.

Take note of the instructions provided by the hospital. Don’t worry about using deodorants, powders or creams and avoid make up and nail polish.

Following surgery there may be some swelling of the arm or hand. If you are unable to remove these rings yourself it is advisable to ask a jeweller to remove them for you in advance of the operation. Rings that have not been removed before surgery may need to be cut off and this may cause damage to precious items.

The side of the operation (left or right arm) will be checked with you and with the consent form. The site of the surgery will be marked with a pen. This is another chance to ask any remaining questions you may have. You will be asked many times to confirm your identity and the site of the surgery. This is normal procedure!

The Anaesthetist
The anaesthetist will see you and discuss the anaesthetic and any blocks or injections that may be necessary

Transfer to Theatre
When it is time for your operation you will be taken to the Theatre Suite. You may be wheeled down in your bed or choose to walk. You will be taken to the Anaesthetic Room next to the Theatre. You may be anaesthetised in this room and taken through to the theatre once you are asleep or this may be done in the theatre itself.

You may eat and drink when you feel able. Once you are awake and comfortable you will be taken back to the ward.

Going Home or Staying in Overnight
This depends on the procedure undertaken. If daycase surgery has been performed then once you are awake, comfortable, had something to eat and drink and the Nursing Staff are happy with your condition, you may go home. If an inpatient stay has been planned then you will be transferred to a ward. The length of stay depends on the complexity of the surgery and your general health, social circumstances and mobility.

How did it go?
Dr Smith will explain the operation and results to you. Although you will be awake enough to hold a conversation and acknowledge the explanation, many people find they do not remember this. Do not worry as you should be given clear rehabilitation guidelines by your therapist and arrangements will be made for you to be seen again in the clinic where the explanation of the operation and findings can then be repeated and any questions answered. There are often intra-operative images or photos, particularly if you have had key-hole (arthroscopic) surgery and these will be explained to you.

View Dr Smith's shoulder rehabilitation protocols  
View Dr Smith's elbow rehabilitation protocols